The pilot reported that during the landing roll at the airport in Boerne, Texas, his feet become entangled in the Luscombe 8A’s rudder pedals and he inadvertently applied brake pressure.
The airplane veered left and the pilot unsuccessfully attempted to regain directional control with opposite rudder and increased engine power.
Airport surveillance cameras recorded the airplane depart the runway surface, bounce, and hit a hangar, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot, who sustained minor injuries in the crash, did not return National Transportation Safety Board 6120.1 form.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
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This September 2023 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I owned a 1947 Luscombe 8A for 10 years. That plane tried to kill me every time I landed it. I used to tell people that I had a 2 x 4 in the cabin to hit myself on the forehead to get my full attention before entering the landing phase of the flight. The plane is very unforgiving if it gets ahead of the pilot. Those heel breaks should be avoided during any phase of the landing. I used them to hold the plane for run up and to encourage a slow taxi turn. Otherwise they will bite you. As for getting his foot caught I am not sure about that. What possibly happened is the rudder peddles pads are small and close together, he may have inadvertently had his foot on the wrong rudder pedal because things happen real fast in a Luscombe. Otherwise it is a great plane to fly!
Headline news: “Elusive Big Foot caught attempting to hijack airplane. Details at Eleven.”
(;->)) /J
I do wonder what he had on his feet. Flip Flops.
Damm…..I fly with Flip Plops All the Time….I guess I’m going to fly bare foot from now on.